[Don_D]

Being new to Ducati gear boxes I was wondering if anyone else makes a practice of speed shifting their bikes? I've done this on every bike I have owned and not had an issue but thought I would throw it out there anyway in case someone is aware of some reason Ducati's would not like this.

With the frequent shifting on the Scrambler I do it a lot and it shifts really well this way.

 

[barfridge]

Do you mean clutchless upshifting? That's fine on pretty much any bike.

Shifting down without using the clutch is a different kettle of fish

 

[Crilly]

The best way to shift any bike is to pull in the clutch just enough with 2 fingers to shift smoothly. (Up or down/ pull the clutch in about a 1/4 inch)

 

[barfridge]

Be careful about getting on your soapbox with the 'best way', when it's bike dependent and ultimately down to personal preference.

For example I generally use 3 fingers, not 2 on the clutch when taking off and shifting from 1st to 2nd, then generally clutchless for the rest. On my icon I just need to be careful to give it a good kick between 5th and 6th otherwise I get the odd false neutral.

 

[Crilly]

Ok the smoothest way.

 

[shmakt]

Depends on how I'm feeling, sometimes I use the clutch, sometimes I 'speed shift'.
Alwsys clutch on the down though

 

[Ducati.Fanatic]

Be careful about getting on your soapbox with the 'best way', when it's bike dependent and ultimately down to personal preference.

For example I generally use 3 fingers, not 2 on the clutch when taking off and shifting from 1st to 2nd, then generally clutchless for the rest. On my icon I just need to be careful to give it a good kick between 5th and 6th otherwise I get the odd false neutral.

As well as between 3rd & 4th :crying:

 

[silverluxe]

I've done it a couple of times and it seems to handle it without a whole lot of drama. I'm not in the habit of doing it that often though but if you're passing someone it's easy to bump back up into 6th gear once you're next to them to give the the ol "what's up".

I'm so used to riding old bikes with bent shifting forks and impossible-to-find-neutral that I am pretty much a hopeless over-clutcher. I pull it all the way in and shift slowly. I guess not super slowly, but I'm not ever racing anyone, so why beat up on the gearbox in any way out of laziness or coolness? The clutch is there, so I use it

 

[Senna1Rossi]

i like clutchless upshits. smoother, faster, better. heh

i've heard clutchless upshifts wasn't really recommended for Ducati dry clutch...

 

[project]

if you're worried go mad and build a horn button quick shifter

Full Throttle Upshifts (Horn Button Quickshifter)

 

[Kris]

The best way to shift any bike is to pull in the clutch just enough with 2 fingers to shift smoothly. (Up or down/ pull the clutch in about a 1/4 inch)

That 1/4" pull is killing me, because on my dirt bike, which has been the only bike I've ridden in the three years prior to buying the Scrambler, disengages/engages closer to the grip.

Without buying after market levers, is there a way to adjust the pull so that it engages/disengages sooner?

Thanks,
Kris

 

[Kris]

Sorry to thread jack..

More on topic - I've tried clutchless shifting, but have yet to master it. Because the shift hits so hard, it feels like something's going to break.

 

[Senna1Rossi]

just load your shift lever (putting some upward pressure for your foot) prior to letting off the throttle. makes it easier

 

[Crilly]

You do not (necessarily) want to fully disengage the clutch, just let it slip a little while shifting.

 

[mjhallock]

Many years and pounds ago I used to do this all the time. Only when up shifting and only when racing. Where you were banging bars and seconds counted. If you do it right it doesn't hurt anything. If you're not racing it's just practice.

 

[Motorhead1977]

I've done it a couple of times and it seems to handle it without a whole lot of drama. I'm not in the habit of doing it that often though but if you're passing someone it's easy to bump back up into 6th gear once you're next to them to give the the ol "what's up".

I'm so used to riding old bikes with bent shifting forks and impossible-to-find-neutral that I am pretty much a hopeless over-clutcher. I pull it all the way in and shift slowly. I guess not super slowly, but I'm not ever racing anyone, so why beat up on the gearbox in any way out of laziness or coolness? The clutch is there, so I use it

Race bikes (professionally maintained by a team) are ordinarily rebuilt after every race. I know many folks upshift without using the clutch but doing so will be the most likely culprit when you experience premature wearing of the dogs and the resulting shifting issues. Since the street is not a race track I see no need to "speed shift". As was mentioned if you really feel the need to do this then install a quick shifter with an ignition cut out built in. Just know that adding one will void your factory warranty. Just my opinion fwiw. :nerd:

 

[Badprimer]

Very informative thread guys! Cheers.




-----
Grom Parts

 

[Garry]

Is that the answer? I have just bought a 4000mile icon and I was a bit worried, I went out for about 50 miles today and had a bout 10 false neutrals between 6th down to 5th. I know they aren't the slickest box but I've never had so many falsies before, even my old 900ss never had any falsies, so a good prod on the gear lever is the first course of action?

 

[Ed K]

just load your shift lever (putting some upward pressure for your foot) prior to letting off the throttle. makes it easier

Agreed...some call it "pre-load..." Makes the shifting at any speed, but especially quick shifting, more "accurate".

 

[Motorhead1977]

Is that the answer? I have just bought a 4000mile icon and I was a bit worried, I went out for about 50 miles today and had a bout 10 false neutrals between 6th down to 5th. I know they aren't the slickest box but I've never had so many falsies before, even my old 900ss never had any falsies, so a good prod on the gear lever is the first course of action?

Garry, I have experienced very few false neutrals in the 3400 mi I have ridden my Icon. When I have it has always been associated with a more "gentle" operation of the shift lever such that I am not completing the shift. I doubt I have experienced this more than 10 times, which I know it is really 10 times too many, but seems to be a quirk of this gear box. Neither my Goldwing nor my VFR have ever done this but I did have similar experiences riding a buddy's Monster 696. I should mention that my riding boot (Sidi Race) does not fit as easily between the foot peg and shift lever as they do on either the Goldwing or the VFR so maybe this has something to do with it. I wouldn't "pre-load" the shift lever as that loads the dogs on the gears in the transmission and when released under pressure will cause them to wear more quickly. In sum, be sure to make each shift (up or down) a very positive action and the "problem" should go away.